Invyr Holy Panda vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Invyr Holy Panda, known for its sharp tactility and satisfyingly bright "clack," and the Gateron New North Pole V2, recognized for its frictionless typing experience and smoothness. The Holy Panda is favored by tactile switch enthusiasts for its pronounced feedback and acoustic resonance, while the New North Pole V2 appeals to those seeking a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener. The Holy Panda is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', whereas the New North Pole V2 is described as 'Polished', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless'. Both switches have their unique advantages, but diving deeper into their specific features and characteristics will help in making the best decision for your keyboard needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. However, the Holy Panda features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound quality.
Despite their similar top housing material, the differences in the bottom housing play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Holy Panda provides a more muffled and rounder sound profile when compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the New North Pole V2. This difference in material composition affects the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound upon key release. It is important to consider how the combination of these housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
While both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, the choice between the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron New North Pole V2 ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing in the Holy Panda or the crisper and more resonant sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the New North Pole V2, each switch offers a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing enhances the visual appeal of both switches, especially for users looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches provide quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch differ in terms of their weight. The Holy Panda has an actuation force of None grams, making it a light switch in terms of triggering keystrokes, while the New North Pole V2 requires 50 grams of force to actuate, making it a bit heavier. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Holy Panda has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, whereas the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which is slightly lighter and falls into the medium range. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the New North Pole V2, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may find the Holy Panda to be a better fit. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch have a similar travel distance of 4 mm, making them both provide a consistent typing experience in terms of how far they travel from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of feel and responsiveness when using either of these switches. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a moderate travel distance that strikes a balance between quick key presses and tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Invyr Holy Panda has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holy Panda for $7.17.
The Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Holy Panda is known for its satisfyingly bright "clack" with each keystroke, while the New North Pole V2 provides a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener. Both switches offer unique acoustic profiles depending on your keyboard and keycap setup, but the Holy Panda tends to be more pronounced and resonant, whereas the New North Pole V2 may offer a quieter, more smooth typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Holy Panda is characterized by its accented tactility, invigorating feedback, sharp tactile bump, and snappy key response. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 is known for its polished, creamy, and frictionless typing feel. While the Holy Panda offers a more pronounced and tactile typing experience, the New North Pole V2 provides a smoother and more effortless key press with a focus on refined key travel.
Overall, the Invyr Holy Panda and the Gateron New North Pole V2 offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Holy Panda excels in providing a sharp tactility and satisfying clack sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 focuses on a smoother, frictionless typing feel without the rubber dampener, ideal for users looking for a crisper and more refined typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Invyr Holy Panda tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel that best suits your preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp tactile feel with pronounced feedback, the Holy Panda is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium bottom out force and seek a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a polished and creamy feel, the New North Pole V2 may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal typing preferences and whether you prioritize tactility or smoothness in your typing experience.
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